Tbilisi City Court has sentenced Giorgi Mindadze to five years in prison on charges of attacking a police officer. The verdict was delivered by Judge Nino Galustashvili.

In his final statement, Mindadze urged supporters to remain calm and peaceful in response to the ruling. He also called on the Lelo party to boycott the upcoming local elections and consider the voices of detained protesters.

During the hearing, the defense argued that Mindadze could not be identified in the video footage showing fireworks being thrown, and a special forces officer failed to recognize him behind a shield. The defense also claimed the forensic examination could not determine the precise time of the officer’s injury, asserting that an acquittal was warranted.

Prosecutor Roin Khintibidze countered that Mindadze had launched fireworks multiple times and was identified by a law enforcement officer. He added that the timing of the incident matched the injuries recorded in the victim’s medical report.

Tensions rose before the trial as a confrontation occurred in the corridor between bailiffs and attendees. Due to limited space in the courtroom, only 20 individuals were allowed inside.

Mindadze was arrested on December 1, accused of shooting fireworks at a police officer during a protest on November 29. He was charged under Article 353, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to assault on a law enforcement officer.